On the eve of the band’s return to Las Vegas—they play Foxtail at the SLS on September 12, as part of the Road to Life Is Beautiful concert series—we chatted with lead guitarist and co-vocalist Tim Lopez about his new marriage, the ups and downs of the music industry and his favorite Vegas spots.

You might expect a native to eagerly exclaim “Absolutely!” in response to the $100 million “face-lift” proposed for one of the last remaining classic-era Strip resorts. But I’m a Las Vegan, and I understand and respect that one of our city’s greatest strengths is its unwillingness to be anchored by nostalgia.

Having now had my first full meal at Giada (in the Cromwell, 702-737-777), I can finally say this about the lemon spaghetti: I get it. (Extra points if you actually read that as “spah-geh-tee,” as spelled out on the menu). Light, bright and the perfect portion for one, it’s an easy winner. I’m also a […]

Last year I was a panelist at a table-games conference, and Sam Nazarian, the top man at SBE Entertainment, which owns SLS Las Vegas, was the lunchtime speaker. During his talk, Nazarian made multiple references to the locals market and SLS’ plans to appeal to that market with “value.”

It was more than 100 degrees on Wednesday afternoon—temperature that just screamed for a cocktail. Or seven. SLS Las Vegas beverage director Ryan McCallum—his waxed ’stache bested only, perhaps, by that of local beer expert Russell Gardner or barman Adam Rains—obliged with a preview of what he has in store for us when SLS Las Vegas opens in the former Sahara footprint August 23.